Kissing is the most effective and romantic form of communication that can take place between two people. It strengthens the bond between lovers even further, and makes them become more intimate physically as well as emotionally. Being in love is a wonderful feeling, and kissing undoubtedly is a great way to express your affection and desire for your significant other.

Kissing has its own interesting history that deserves to be better known. This Kiss Day, let’s discuss some facts about kissing that will make your mouth fall open in amazement (literally as well figuratively).

This question might have intrigued you at least once in your lifetime. So let me satiate your curiosity right now. The word ‘kiss’ comes from the old English word ‘cyssan,’ which literally means ‘to kiss.’ Many people believe that the term ‘cyssan’ referred to the sounds that were made while kissing.

XOXO, as we all know, is a term used to express sincerity, faith, love, or good friendship at the end of a written letter, text message, or email. Have you ever wondered where this ubiquitous expression comes from? X arguably stands for “kiss,” and O for “hug.” Interestingly, this word traces its origins from a medieval custom that required people to place an “X” on envelopes, notes, and at the bottom of letters, intended to be a Christian cross symbolizing faith, honesty, and sincerity. The cross was thereby kissed by the signer as a display of their sworn oath. It was practiced because most people could not read or write, but understood that kissing a document meant that the signer was sincere towards his words.

No, we are not the only species on earth that indulge in passionate mouth-on-mouth action – there are several other animals that show affection by kissing each other, which may or may not be similar to how we do it. Interestingly, chimpanzees demonstrate this kind of behavior after a fight, which apparently looks like “a kiss and make up” strategy. The elephants, arguably one of the most intelligent and emotional creatures on the planet, also use this technique to comfort each other during difficult times, for example, when one of their herd member dies.

4. Kissing is good for your health

No, seriously! Isn’t it good news? Kissing actually improves your skin, helps circulation, and is beneficial even in relieving headaches. So, the next time when someone speaks against the “Kiss of Love” (pun intended), you can go ahead and bombard their logic with your newfound discovery of the benefits of serious kissing.

Think I am joking? Think again. It has been analyzed that a peck on the cheek utilizes 2 facial muscles, while a hot French kiss uses 34 – a whole lot of muscles. It means that a minute of passionate kissing can burn approximately 26 calories, and if you extend that to an hour, you will end up burning close to 1,560 calories – enough to make you skip your usual workout routine for a day. So, ditch the gym and start kissing!

A study has revealed that kissing releases endorphins that are a hundred times more potent than the ever so intoxicating morphine. I am sure you must have experienced that inexplicable giddy feeling after a passionate makeout session. It’s great to know that you can actually get a high without indulging in illegal and harmful drugs! Maybe our government should promote kissing alongside their Drug Free India campaign!

7. Kissing is infectious

It might sound romantic, but I am talking about something else entirely. One kiss can pass on 278 types of bacteria, and a long kiss can leave you with ten million bacteria lurking inside your mouth. This should be motivation enough to stick to just one romantic power, not just out of love but also for fear of getting an infection or an unwanted disease.

Even after innumerable protests against the “Kiss of Love” movement, kissing fortunately has not been made illegal in India. But some countries are not that fortunate. Back in the 16th century, public kissing in Naples was punishable by death! Even the United States, seen as one of the most liberal countries in the world, has some places where kissing in public is illegal. Kissing strangers is forbidden in Ceder Rapids, Iowa. Sunday might be a day of unbridled romance for some, but in Hartford, Connecticut, women can’t kiss their husbands on that one day of the week. Mustached men in Indiana may find it hard to “play the field” as it is illegal for men sporting mustaches to habitually kiss human beings. I wonder how someone can pass such draconian laws against something as loving and tender as a kiss.

Since today is Kiss Day, we thought why not give you a dose of surprising facts you didn't know about kissing. So, here goes.

Nishtha Sood

Nishtha is a highly opinionated female, who is extremely vociferous about her beliefs. She likes to read, write and dance, in that order. She loves to talk about politics, sports and relationships, and has lofty revolutionary ideas in her mind, waiting to be materialized. She loves Tarantino's dark humor and Kafkaesque endings, but would like a fairy tale relationship for herself. When she is not busy making plans to change the world or exploring her new-found love for selfies, she likes to eat ( hog would be a better word!).